Waning Sex Life - What's to Blame?

A waning sex life is often thought of as an unavoidable result of growing old. Unfortunately, many physicians compound the problem by failing to discuss this topic with their older male patients, leaving many men feeling frustrated and helpless. However, certain nutritional supplements have been shown to improve sexual function and physical energy, giving men the emotional and physical contentment that they commonly experienced in their younger years, and allowing their "golden years" to be truly delightful.

It is interesting to note that in a study reported in the Archives of General Psychiatry concerning sexual behavior with men and women over the age of 60, researchers found that men were to blame for the cessation of sexual intercourse over 75% of the time (Pfeiffer 1968). Men tend to give up on sex, thinking that their sexual problems are an unavoidable symptom of aging. However, in recent years, scientist have learned that "old age" is not necessarily a determining factor in sexual dysfunction by itself. Other factors, such as lifestyle choices, overhall health status, medications, and a low serum testosterone level can also lead to a decline or even stoppage of sexual activity.

Common Reasons for Decreased Sexual Energy

While the death of a spouse obviously stops many men from participating in sexual relations, studies have found that illness is one of the most common reasons for a decrease in sexual activity in older men who have a partner. For example, in an epidemiological study conducted at the McGuire Veterans Administration Medical Center in Richmond, Virginia, researchers found that middle-aged men in poor health had a six-fold increase in sexual dysfunction compared to men of the same age who were healthy. Men who were 75 years of age and older, and in poor general health, had a 40-fold greater likelihood of sexual dysfunction (Mulligan 1988).

The study also found that excessive blood sugar and urinary problems were directly related to sexual dysfunction; approximately 50% of the men with elevated blood sugar reported erection failure. Pelvic nerve problems, associated with lack of bladder control, were established as having a direct effect on erection ability.

A Michigan survey evaluated the impact of heart problems on sexuality. The study showed that a greater percentage of men with heart problems had more sexual difficulties than their counterparts without heart problems.

Another factor in sexual dysfunction is medication. Obviously, the older you get, the more likely it is that you will need some sort of prescription medication. Unfortunately, many medications leave men with the unwelcome side effects of a decrease in libido or complete impotency.

A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society revealed that prescription medication does play a negative role in sexual performance and fulfillment (Pfeiffer 1972). Of the 261 men analyzed for the study, those on hypertension medication had a significant higher rate of sexual dysfunction, attributed to a decrease in sex drive, when compared with those who did not take that type of medication. The use of sleeping pills and tranquilizers also contributed to sexual problems, which is not surprising since sedatives depress the central nervous system, thereby affecting not only sex desire, but also the nerves that correlate to erction and ejaculation.

It is important to note that lifestyle choicess also have been linked to sexual dysfunction. For instance, research has shown that men who had an active and fulfilling sex life in their early years were more likely to continue to be sexually active during their later years (Pfeiffer 1972). Likewise, older men who lead active lifestyles and enjoy physical exercise are more likely to be sexually active than those who are more sedentary. Also, it is important to remember that alchool consumption can diminish sexual performance and smoking can affect the capillary blood supply to the penis.

Other factors affecting sexuality are low testosterone levels (which may decrease with age and can have a negative impact on sexual desire) and erectile and ejaculatory difficulties (O'Caroll 1984). Although some doctors may quickly prescribe testosterone injections or even surgery to implant a penile prosthesis, it would be smart to first try a group of botanicals that have been used for centuries to enhance sexual vitality.

Enhance Sexual Desire and Satisfaction

Avena sativa extract (derived from green oats) is a nutrient that has been shown to help enhance sexual vitality as well as physical performance. In a cross-over study conducted by the Institute for Advanced Study of Human Sexuality in San Francisco, over 100 men were given Avena sativa for four weeks and then given a placebo for four weeks (Bennett 1990).

Researchers discovered that those taking the green oats extract experienced a greater firmness of erections, which then dropped when the extract was replaced by a placebo. The erections of older men with erectile problems returned to levels experienced in early years, and all men reported greater sexual desire and overhall sexual satisfaction. In concurrent endocrine studies with some of the men, scientists found that the testosterone blood level increased only while the participants took the Avena sativa extract. They also concluded that the supplement protected the testosterone available in the body, thereby enhancing hormone levels.

Boost Testosterone Levels

Another important botanical is Urtica dioica (neetle roots), a popular European herb. Neetle roots contain a high concentration of vitamin C, which assists testosterone production and may give the body a natural hormone boost, which is especially important for older men.

Regardless of their age, all men experience a natural loss of androgens when sex hormone-binding proteins attach themselves to hormones, reducing their potency. This is especially true with the protein globulin, which binds to testosterone. Testosterone is then converted into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Unfortunately for older men, this conversion only further depletes their already-low level of testosterone. However, Urtica dioica has been found to inhibit this testosterone conversion. In a study at St. Luke's/Roosevelt Hospital Center in New York, Urtica dioica obstructs this binding process, thereby increasing the amount of free testosterone in the body's circulation (Hyrb 1995).

The loss of a man's sexuality should never be accepted as inevitable. Avena sativa and Urtica dioica can help men suffering from either mild or chronic sexual problems. Give yourself the chance to enjoy healthy, sexually active "golden years." You deserve it.

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